How to tell your dog is cold.

Some dogs have a great coat to keep them warm in the winter and other dogs don't. So how how long can they endure the cold?  You need to look for signs and recognizing when it's time to go home.

First Signs of a cold dog.

1. Ice between their toes or on their body
2. Dog is shaking or shivering due to wetness, cold or both.

If you don't take action early your dog will have blisters and/or swelling as well as some frostbite.

Second Degree 

Second degree frostbite will result in skin blisters. Skin turns a very pale/gray colour on their ears, feet,toes and tails.

Third Degree

Third degree may result in gangrene resulting in amputation of affection area and sometimes death.

Dogs like Charlie have a double-coated fur to protect him from the cold weather and wet weather but they too have their limits. If you have a hairless dog, a dog with little fur, or you live, walk and run in a very cold climate, I recommend a coat made for your dog. You can also buy boots for your dog as well.

Always monitor your pet. Keep them safe. They rely on your judgement.

Don't try to rescue your dog if falls in the cold water.

Dogs are clever but many times a dog has run on a frozen river and fallen through. And I know that some people will instinctively try to rescue their dog in trouble. Before you do anything, think first. Are you prepared to die trying (many have).

So keep your dog on a leash when walking near a river or other bodies of water in the winter for you and your dogs sake.

Happy New Year from Charlie

Charlie's New Years Resolutions 

1.  Try some new activities this year. I will start with jogging-got to keep my pet parent in shape.

2.  No more rawhide bones. They are toxic and not good for me or the environment.

3.  Make sure I get a hug or two every day.

4,  I will tolerate homemade bandannas more even though I don't think they are very manly.

6.  Show everyone that I can learn a new trick.

7.  Get more massages.

8.  Try to convince my family to let me sniff longer when we are out for walks.

9,   Learn to swim. I'm a duck toller retriever, its about time I learn how to do this.

10. Be Happy!

What Kind of Dog is Charlie?

For any one wondering what kind of dog Charlie is. His scarf today is a BIG hint!

Charlie is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, with a little bit of something else thrown in.  

Duck Tolling Retrievers were first bred in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia in the 19th century, as a hunting dog and to toll waterfowl. Duck Tollers were admitted to the Canadian Kennel Club in 1945 and is Nova Scotia's Provincial Dog! 

Charlie has never been to Nova Scotia himself, but he hears that it is a fantastic place to visit and live. I am sure he would love running along beaches and playing in the ocean.

For more information about Nova Scotia Duck Tollers and to see if they are the right dog for you check out this site! NSDTR Club of Canada

Charlie enjoying the sunset

Is it too rough?

Roughhousing is part of the fun of being a dog. It is safe if done in a outside environment with supervision at all time. Dogs will play bite, pull, nip and roll around. It is completely normal. But it can get out of hand, so monitor your dog and other dogs and intervene when necessary.

Keep your dog active in the winter.

Four ways to keep your dog active this winter

1. Long walks are always good. 

2. Try to make mealtimes fun and stimulating. Put treats and wet dog food in a Kong and freeze. 

3. Play find the treat. Hide treats in the house and tell your dog to find. 

4. Look for a winter agility class.